The Ouachita Telegraph - John Latke Drowns

Date: Mar. 2004
Submitted by: Lora Peppers <lpeppers@ouachita.lib.la.us>




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The Ouachita Telegraph
Wednesday, June 30, 1869
Page 3, Column 1

  YOUNG MAN DROWNED.  Mr. John Latke, a young man employed in the jewelry
shop of Mr. Bofenschen, was drowned Monday night while crossing the river
opposite this place  The sad occurrence has cast a deep gloom over the
younger portion of the community, with whom Johnny, as he was familiarly
called, was a general favorite.
  Deceased had been over to Cottonport sitting up with the sick, and,
returning late, could not take the ferry skiff, but found a small plank
boat, getting into which he started over.  About midway the river, his
ricketty boat capsized.  Cries for help were heard by several persons, some
of whom procured a boat and started to his relief, encouraging him,
meanwhile, to hold up.  But help came too late; with a despairing "Oh! The
unfortunate youth went down into his watery grave, the strong arms of the
succorers close at hand, but out of reach.  Deceased was a daring swimmer,
but the distance to shore was too great for his delicate health.  He was an
amiable and industrious young man, and his sad fate is deeply deplored. The
body has not been recovered.
  Two accidents having occurred with this boat  the first time capsizing
with two employees of this office, who, however, escaped  we suggest its
immediate destruction to prevent similar acidents hereafter.

  NOTES: The Wednesday, July 14, 1869 edition of the Ouachita Telegraph, page
2, Column 5 has the following article: "The body of Mr. J.E. Larke, the
young man whose sudden death by drowning we noticed in our last paper, was
recovered about half-a- mile below this, and was interred, with appropriate
honors, by the Brass Band, of which deceased was a member."  On the same
page, column 6 is a tribute of respect from the Monroe Brass Band.

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